Adjustable length scaffolding and method therefor

ABSTRACT

A scaffolding system for an attic area has a plurality of board members. An attachment device is sued for securing a first board member to an adjoining board member, wherein the attachment device comprises a pair of removable attachment devices formed on a pair of opposing sides of each board member.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present patent application is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/480,396, filed May 24, 2012, in the name of the same inventor listed above, and entitled, “ADJUSTABLE LENGTH SCAFFOLDING AND METHOD THEREFOR”.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates generally to a scaffolding and, more specifically, to an adjustable length scaffolding for use in an attic.

Worker safety is of great importance to both construction industry employers and employees. Worker safety is of such importance that a federal agency, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), was created to draft, inspect, and enforcing work place safety and health regulations.

As disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,664,391, various scaffolding and safety systems have been designed. Some are engineered from the ground up while others are designed to hang off the roof or wall structure. All of these scaffold systems, however, suffer from a common defect—the enormous amount of time to assemble, erect, reposition, and take down such systems.

There are hanging scaffolds, scaffold systems that are affixed to the roof and hang over the cave to support a working platform, that have been designed to reduce the amount of labor and time necessary for scaffold assembly/disassembly. However, while saving some time, these hanging scaffolds are not without their own shortcomings.

Furthermore, many hanging scaffold systems are theoretically designed for easy pre-assembly prior to deployment, again with the objective of reducing labor costs and cutting productivity losses. Most of these hanging scaffold systems, however, are not as stable as ground based scaffold systems

Further, hanging scaffold systems require a roof anchoring point that is able to withstand thousands of pounds of force in several directions while the construction work is in progress. Typically, the roof anchor is nailed, bolted or fixedly attached to the roof to provide the necessary safety margin. However, this results in a roof anchoring system that requires additional time and effort to remove and reposition, thereby reducing the time savings associated with the hanging scaffold system.

An additional issue is that the hanging scaffold systems are only designed to hang from the exterior surface of the roof. The hanging scaffolding system was not designed for use in an attic crawl space.

Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a circuit and method that overcomes the above problems.

SUMMARY

A scaffolding system for an attic area has a plurality of board members, wherein each board member comprises: an elongated member having a hollow interiors and a plurality of wall members extending from a bottom section to a top section of the hollow interior to form a plurality passage ways. An attachment device is used for securing a first board member to an adjoining board member

A scaffolding system for an attic area has a plurality of board members, wherein each board member comprises: an elongated member having a hollow interior; and a plurality of wall members extending from a bottom section to a top section of the hollow interior to form a plurality passage ways. An attachment device is used for securing a first board member to an adjoining board member, wherein the attachment device comprises a pair of removable attachment devices formed on a pair of opposing side surfaces of each board member and a pair of permanent attachment devices formed on another pair of opposing side surfaces of each board member.

A scaffolding system for an attic area has a plurality of board members. An attachment device is used for securing a first board member to an adjoining board member, wherein the attachment device comprises a pair of removable attachment devices formed on a pair of opposing sides of each board member.

The features, functions, and advantages can be achieved independently in various embodiments of the disclosure or may be combined in yet other embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the disclosure will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the attic scaffolding system for use in an attic of a building;

FIG. 2 is a top view of an individual board of the attic scaffolding system;

FIG. 3 is a top view of multiple boards of the attic scaffolding system;

FIG. 4 is a side view of an individual board of the attic scaffolding system;

FIG. 5 is a magnified view of one embodiment of the locking system used in the attic scaffolding system;

FIG. 6 is a magnified view of another embodiment of the locking system used in the attic scaffolding system;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the attic scaffolding system for use in an attic of a building;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a plank member of the attic scaffolding system of FIG. 7 with end caps removed;

FIG. 9 is a another perspective view of a plank member of the attic scaffolding system of FIG. 7 with end caps removed;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a plank member of the attic scaffolding system of FIG. 7 with the end caps;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a plank member of the attic scaffolding system of FIG. 7 with the end caps;

FIG. 12 is a front view of one embodiment of the end caps used in the attic scaffolding system of FIG. 7;

FIG. 13 is a perspective rear view of the embodiment of the end caps shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a top perspective view of another embodiment of the end caps used in the attic scaffolding system of FIG. 7;

FIG. 15 is a rear perspective view of the embodiment of the end caps shown in FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of the embodiment of the end caps shown in FIG. 14;

FIG. 17 is a side perspective view of the embodiment of the end caps shown in FIG. 14;

FIG. 18 is a side view of the attic scaffolding system of FIG. 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the Figures, an attic scaffolding system 10 is shown. The system 10 is designed to be used in an attic area 12 of a house and or building. The attic area 12 may be defined as the area between the ceiling 14 and a roof section formed by trusses 16. The system 10 is designed to be positioned on existing rafters 18 in the attic area 12. The system 10 may be used to allow a person to work within the attic area 12. Presently, when working in the attic area 12, workers stand on the individual rafters 18. Alternatively, individual boards may be used to allow a person to stand in between consecutive rafters 18. However, the individual board needs to be lifted and moved every time the worker moves.

The system 10 is designed to quickly and easily attach and lock multiple planks 20 together. This allows for a removable floor to be formed on the rafters 18. As stated above, the system 10 is formed of a plurality of plank members 20. Each plank member 20, and thus the system 10, is of a size to allow the plank members 20 to be carried through an attic opening 11. The plank members 20 may be formed of an electrically non-conductive material.

As shown in FIG. 2, a top surface 20A of the plank member 20 may have markings 22. The markings 22 may be formed around one or more edges on the top surface of the plank member 20. The markings 22 may be used as a warning indictor to let a person know that they are near the edge of the plank member 20. The marking 22 may be a red strip, a fluorescent yellow/green strip, a grip strip, or the like. The above listing is given an example and should not be seen in a limiting manner.

Located on a bottom surface 20C of the plank member 20 may be a latching device 40. The latching device 40 may be used to secure the plank member to a rafter 18. The latching device 40 may be used to prevent the plank member 20 from moving/sliding when positioned on a rafter 18. The latching device 40 may be a hook or the like.

Located on one or more side surfaces 20B of each plank member 20 may be an attachment mechanism 24. The attachment mechanism 24 may be used to attach one or more additional plank members 20 to an existing plank member 20. The attachment mechanism 24 may be form as part of the plank member 20. Alternatively, the attachment mechanism 24 may be a separate device.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, one embodiment of the attachment mechanism 24 may be seen. In this embodiment, the plank member 20 may have one or more sides where a channel 26 may be formed. The channel 26 may be formed along one or more side surfaces 20B of the plank member 20. The channel 26 may be formed along a central area of the side surface 20B. The channel 26 may run a length of the side surface 20B.

Located in the channel 26 is a groove 28. The groove 28 is formed along a surface 26B on the channel 26. The groove 28 may run the length of the channel 26.

The plank member 20 may have one or more sides where a tab 30 may be formed. The tab 30 may be formed along one or more side surfaces 20B of the plank member 20. The tab 30 may be formed along a central area of the side surface 20B. The tab 30 may run a majority of the length of the side surface 20B.

The tab 30 may have a locking member 32 which extends from the tab 30. The locking member 32 may be a locking tab 32A which extends down from tab 30. In operation, the tab 30 of one plank member 20 may be inserted into the channel 26 of a corresponding plank member 20. The locking tab 32B may be slide into the channel 28 thereby forming a snap lock connection. By lifting the plank member 30, the locking tab 32B may be slide out of the channel 28 thereby unlocking the plank member 30 from the corresponding plank member 20.

Referring to FIG. 6, another attachment mechanism 24′ may be seen. In this embodiment, the attachment mechanism 24′ may be an “I” beam 34. The “I” beam 34 has a pair of “I” beam channels 36. Located in at least one “I” beam channel 36 is a locking tab 32A′. In this embodiment, the plank member 20 may be a standard board 20′. The board 20′ having a notch 38 formed on at least one side surface. The notch 38 may run a length of the at least one side surface.

In operation, the board 20′ may be inserted into the “I” beam channel 36. The locking tab 32A′ may be slide into the notch 38 of the board 20′ thereby forming a snap lock connection. By lifting the board 20′, the locking tab 32A′ may be slide out of the notch 38 thereby unlocking the board 20′ from the attachment mechanism 24′.

Referring now to FIGS. 7-18, another embodiment of the system 10′ is shown. The system 10′ is designed to be used in the attic area 12 of a house and or building. The system 10′ is designed to be positioned on existing rafters 18 in the attic area 12. The system 10 may be used to allow a person to work within the attic area 12.

Each plank member 20′ may be formed of an elongated member 50. One or more wall members 52 may be formed in the interior of the elongated member 50. The wall members 52 may extend from a bottom section to a top section of the interior of the elongated member 50. Thus, the wall members 52 may form a plurality of passages 54 that may rim the length of the plank 20. The wall members 52 may provide support to prevent the plank 20′ from compressing due to the weight of the user.

Located on one or more side surfaces 50A of each elongated member 50 may be an attachment mechanism 52. The attachment mechanism 52 may be used to attach one or more additional elongated members 50 to an existing elongated member 50. The attachment mechanism 52 may be form as part of the elongated member 50. Alternatively, the attachment mechanism 52 may be a separate device.

In accordance with the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7-16, a first attachment mechanism 52A is formed on opposing side surfaces 50A1 and 50A2. The first attachment mechanism 52A may be formed of a channel and tab structure similar to that described above. Thus, a channel 26 may be formed on one of the side surfaces 50A1 or 50A2. The channel 26 may be formed along a central area of the side surface 50A1 or 50A2. The channel 26 may run a length of the side surface 50A1 or 50A2.

Located in the channel 26 is a groove 28. The groove 28 is formed along a surface 26B on the channel 26. The groove 28 may run the length of the channel 26.

A tab 30 may be formed on one of the side surfaces 50A1 or 50A2. The tab 30 may be formed along a central area of the side surfaces 50A1 or 50A2. The tab 30 may run a majority of the length of the side surfaces 50A1 or 50A2.

The tab 30 may have a locking member 32 which extends from the tab 30. The locking member 32 may be a locking tab 32B which extends down from tab 30. The locking tab 32B may be slide into the channel 28 thereby forming a snap lock connection.

A second attachment mechanism 52B may be formed on opposing side surfaces 50A3 and 50A4. The second attachment mechanism 52B may be a separate device which attaches to the side surfaces 50A3 and 50A4. The second attachment mechanism 52B may be formed of a body member 54. On a back region 56 of the body member 54 is a cavity 58. One or more attachment members 60 extend up from the cavity 58. In general, the number of attachment members 60 corresponds to the number of passages 54. The attachment members 60 may be sized and shaped to conform to the passages 54.

The attachment members 60 may be inserted into a corresponding passage 54 thereby securing the second attachment mechanism 52B to one or both of the side surfaces 50A3 and 50A4. One the attachment members 60 are inserted into a corresponding passage 54, the side surfaces 50A3 and 50A4 may be positioned within the cavity 58 further securing the attachment mechanism 52B to one or both of the side surfaces 50A3 and 50A4.

Located on a front region 62 of the body member 54 may be one of a channel or tab structure. Thus, a “C” shaped channel 64 may be formed on a front region 62 of the body member 54. The “C” shaped channel 64 may be formed along a central area of the front region 62. The “C” shaped channel 64 may run a length of the side surface 50A1 or 50A2. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, one end of the opening in the C″ shaped channel 64 may extend out past the other end of the opening in the C″ shaped channel 64.

One or more pairs of lip members 66 may be formed in the C″ shaped channel 64. One lip member of the pair of lip members 66 extend down from each end of the opening in the “C” shaped channel 64. In accordance with one embodiment, several pairs of lip member 66 may be positioned along a length of the “C” shaped channel 64.

Alternatively, an “L” shape tab member 68 may be formed on a front region 62 of the body member 54. The “L” shape tab member 68 may be formed such that a bottom leg 68A of the “L” shape tab member 68 extends from a middle section of the front region 62 of the body member 54. In accordance with one embodiment, the bottom leg 68A of the “L” shape tab member 68 has a rounded edge 68B. The rounded edge 68B conforms to the shape of the “C” shaped channel 64 having one end that may extend out past the other end in the opening in the C″ shaped channel 64.

One or more pairs of tab member lips 70 may be formed on the bottom leg 68A of the “L” shape tab member 68. One tab member lip of the pair of tab member lips 70 extend down from each side of the bottom leg 68A of the “L” shape tab member 68.

In operation, a second attachment mechanism 52B having a “C” shaped channel 64 is attached to one side of the elongated member 50 while a second attachment mechanism 52B having an “L” shape tab member 68 is attached an opposing side of the elongated member 50. Adjacent plank member 20′ may be attached by sliding an “L” shape tab member 68 into the “C” shaped channel 64 of the adjacent plank member 20′. The pairs of tab member lips 70 on the bottom leg 68A of the “L” shape tab member 68 meet with the pairs of lip members 66 formed in the C″ shaped channel 64 to secure and adjacent plank members 20′ together.

While embodiments of the disclosure have been described in terms of various specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments of the disclosure can be practiced with modifications within the spirit and scope of the claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A scaffolding system for an attic area comprising: a plurality of board members, wherein each board member comprises: an elongated member having a hollow interior; and a plurality of wall members extending from a bottom section to a top section of the hollow interior to form a plurality passage ways; and an attachment device for securing a first board member to an adjoining board member.
 2. The scaffolding system of claim 1, wherein the attachment device comprises a pair of removable attachment devices formed on a pair of opposing sides of each board member.
 3. The scaffolding system of claim 2, wherein the attachment device further comprises a pair of permanent attachment devices formed on another pair of opposing sides of each board member.
 4. The scaffolding system of claim 1, wherein removable attachment device comprises: a body member having a cavity formed on a rear section thereof; a plurality of attachment members extend up from the cavity to be inserted into a corresponding passage way; one of a “C” shaped channel formed on a front region of the body member or an “L” shape tab member formed on the front region of the body member.
 5. The scaffolding system of claim 4, wherein one end of an opening in the C″ shaped channel extends out past a second end of the opening in the C″ shaped channel.
 6. The scaffolding system of claim 5, further comprising at least one pair of lip members formed in the C″ shaped channel.
 7. The scaffolding system of claim 4, wherein the “L” shape tab member has a bottom leg that has a rounded edge.
 8. The scaffolding system of claim 7, further comprising at least one pair of tab member lips formed on the bottom leg of the “L” shape tab member.
 9. The scaffolding system of claim 3, wherein permanent the attachment device comprises: a channel formed on at least one side surface of each board member; and a tab member formed on an opposing side surface of each board member.
 10. A scaffolding system for an attic area comprising: a plurality of board members, wherein each board member comprises: an elongated member having a hollow interior; and a plurality of wall members extending from a bottom section to a top section of the hollow interior to form a plurality passage ways; and an attachment device for securing a first board member to an adjoining board member, wherein the attachment device comprises a pair of removable attachment devices formed on a pair of opposing side surfaces of each board member and a pair of permanent attachment devices formed on another pair of opposing side surfaces of each board member.
 11. The scaffolding system of claim 10, wherein removable attachment device comprises; a body member having a cavity formed on a rear section thereof; a plurality of attachment members extend up from the cavity to be inserted into a corresponding passage way; one of a “C” shaped channel formed on a front region of the body member or an “L” shape tab member formed on the front region of the body member.
 12. The scaffolding system of claim 11, wherein one end of an opening in the C″ shaped channel extends out past a second end of the opening in the C″ shaped channel.
 13. The scaffolding system of claim 12, further comprising at least one pair of lip members formed in the C″ shaped channel.
 14. The scaffolding system of claim 11, wherein the “L” shape tab member has a bottom leg that has a rounded edge.
 15. The scaffolding system of claim 14, further comprising at least one pair of tab member lips formed on the bottom leg of the “L” shape tab member.
 16. The scaffolding system of claim 10, wherein permanent the attachment device comprises: a channel formed on at least one side surface of each board member; and a tab member formed on an opposing side surface of each board member.
 17. A scaffolding system for an attic area comprising: a plurality of board members; and an attachment device for securing a first board member to an adjoining board member, wherein the attachment device comprises a pair of removable attachment devices formed on a pair of opposing sides of each board member.
 18. The scaffolding system of claim 17, wherein removable attachment device comprises: a body member having a cavity formed on a rear section thereof; a plurality of attachment members extend up from the cavity to be inserted into a corresponding passage way formed in each board member; one of a “C” shaped channel formed on a front region of the body member, wherein one end of an opening in the C″ shaped channel extends out past a second end of the opening in the C″ shaped channel or an “L” shape tab member formed on the front region of the body member, wherein the “L” shape tab member has a bottom leg that has a rounded edge.
 19. The scaffolding system of claim 18, further comprising at least one pair of lip members formed in the C″ shaped channel.
 20. The scaffolding system of claim 18, further comprising at least one pair of tab member lips formed on the bottom leg of the “L” shape tab member. 